Power supply system



Jan. 18, 1944. LANGABEER 2,339,490

POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM Filed Aiig. l, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR HZLANGABfE/i. er

' ATTORNEY Jan. 18, 1944. 1-, LANGABEERv 2,339,490

POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM Fil ed Aug. 1. 1942 Sheets-Sheet 2 f r- I a d L L y a in 3X v 0' Q R 33 Q 3 t a v p it Fm;

.4 T TORNEY Jan; 18, 1944. H. 1'. LANGABEER v 2,339,490

POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM Filed Aug. 1, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 lNl/EN TOR H 7TLANGABEER A T TOR/VF) Jan. 18, 1944. LAQGABEER 2,339,490

POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM Filed Au 1, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 F/G. z F/GZ. Flea.

FIGS. F/G.4.

POLAR/ZED lNl/E/V TOR HZLANGABEER BY C; 1?;

A TTORNEV Patented Jan. 18, 1944 POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM Harvey T. Langabeer, Baldwin, N. Y., assignor to Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated, New York, N. Y., a corporation or New York Application August 1, 1942, Serial No. 453,232

9 Claims.

This invention relates to power supply systems and particularly to such systems wherein a direct current load circuit is supplied from an alternating current source through the medium of a rectifier, and in which facilities are provided for adequately supplying the load when the load requirements exceed the output capacity of the rectifier.

In systems of this general character it has been common practice to provide a plurality of equally rated rectifiers, or motor generator sets as the means for supplying a direct current load with power from an alternating current source. Such systems are so designed that when the load being supplied by the rectifier, or by the motor generator set exceeds the rated output of the supply device, a second rectifier, or motor generator set is automatically connected in parallel with the first power supply device so that both devices function collectively to furnish the load. In some circumstances it is found undesirable, or impracticable to locate a plurality of equally rated rectifiers, or motor generators at a power station and to operate them in parallel when load conditions are such as to warrant such operation.

The objects of this invention are to simplify and improve the operation of a power plant which functions to supply a variable direct current load from an alternating current source through the medium of a rectifier having a predetermined output rating, and which provides facilities for substituting for the rectifier an auxiliary source of direct current when the output rating of the rectifier is exceeded by the load.

These objects are attained in accordance with a feature of the invention by supplying a variable direct current load from an alternating current source of power through the medium of a rectifier whose rated output is such as to adequately provide for the load under normal conditions, and by substituting a separate source of direct current, in the nature of a motor generator set having an output capacity greater than that of the rectifier for the latter when the load exceeds the rated output of the rectifier.

Another feature of the invention resides in means for automatically stopping the motor gencrater set and restarting the rectifier when the load decreases to a value within the rated output of the rectifier.

A further feature of the invention provides for starting and stopping a rectifier, or motor generator set under control of load and battery voltage.

These and other features of the invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which the several Figs. 1, 2, 3 and. 4, when assembled in the manner shown in Fig. 5 constitute a diagrammatic representation of a power plant employing a full wave rectifier (Fig. 1) and a motor-driven generator (Fig. 4) as the means for transferring energy from an alternating current source l5 to a direct current load indicated at 389 in Fig. 3, across which a storage battery B is floated. The load and battery are illustrated at the lower right of Fig. 3, the lower intermediate portion of which figure shows a voltage regulating circuit which responds to variations in the voltage of the storage battery to cause corresponding adjustments of the output of the rectifier of Fig. 1, or of the motor generator set of Fig. 4, depending upon which device is in operation at the time the adjustments are required. Fig. 2 and the upper portion of Fig. 3 show the control relay circuits which function as the controls for the rectifier and for the motor generator set.

Before entering into a detailed description of the operation of the complete system illustrated, a brief description of the rectifier circuit shown in Fig. 1 and also of the regulator circuit shown in the lower portion of Fig. 3 will be made.

The transformer T2 supplies filament voltage to the rectifier tubes VI and V2 when the contactor relay 26 operates to connect the rectifier to the alternating current source I5. The direct current output is measured by an ammeter relay AR which indicates the current and also acts a relay. The rectifier output current is controlled by changing the plate voltage applied to the tubes.

The plate voltage applied to the tubes VI and V2 is changed by means of a booster control equipment consisting of a motor-driven, continuously tapped autotransformer TR. and an insulating booster transformer T3 which functions to raise the primary of the plate transformer Tl above the line voltage. The variable transformer TR operates in a manner similar to a motordriven rheostat except instead of cutting in and out resistance, it cuts in and out the turns of an autotransformer. As the number of turns in use is increased or decreased, the voltage across the primary of transformer T3 is raised or lowered, respectively. Raising the voltage on the primary of transformer T3 causes a correspond ing increase in the secondary voltage of this transformer. The secondary of transformer T3 is connected in series aiding with the primary of plate transformer Tl, so that the transformer TR controls the output of the rectifier by raising or lowering the secondary voltage of plate transformer Tl which is the voltage applied to the plates of rectifier tubes VI and V2.

The motor M associated with transformer TB, is controlled by the operation of relays l i) and i I.

When relay it operates, the motor M is rotated.

in a direction to move the contact arm 52 in a counter-clockwise direction to increase the voltage across the primary of transformer T3 which in turn increases the secondary voltage and thus raises the rectifier output. When relay I i is operated, the motor contact arm l 2 is rotated in the reverse direction to decrease the number of turns.

in series with the primary of transformer T3 and thus lower the rectifier output.

The motor M is an alternating current capacitor type which is operated on single phase current by means of a condenser Id connected in parallel with one winding. By transferring the condenser from one Winding to the other, the direction of rotation of the motor is reversed. Relays ill and I I function to switch condenser E i from one motor winding to the other and also to connect the motor to the line L'.

The voltage control equipment which occupies the lower. portion of Fig. 3, serves to Control the output of the rectifier X of Fig. 1 and also of the motor generator set of Fig. 2, and thus functions to maintain a constant battery voltage. The leads 3% and 3!!!! connect the battery B to the regulating circuit. The charging rheostat 3B2, regulating rheostat Sti l and. resistance 365 form a potentiometer connected across the battery B. A positive potential, with respect to the cathode of amplifier tube V3 is taken oif the potentiometer at the rheostat it' l and is opposed by a slightly higher grid battery 3%, the difference in potential of approximately 1.25 volts being applied to the grid ofvacuum tube V3. Variations in the battery voltage thenrefiect inversely to the grid of the amplifier tube V3. The small changes'in grid voltage are amplified by V3 from a fraction of a. volt to approximately seven volts.

amplifier output voltage appears as avoltage drop across resistance Fill! which is applied to the grid of tube V i in the regulator bridge circuit. The condenser 3H filters thev amplified output voltag of amplifier V3 to prevent modulation of'Vt.

The varistor M8, condenser 35 9 and upper secondary Winding of transformer T5 serve as a small half-wave rectifier toprovide a direct current plate voltage for the amplifier tube V3. The plate voltage for tube T6 is derived from the rectifier 395 across whose output'terminals are connected the condensers 55% and 397.

Vacuum tube V4 and resistances 393. and 369 form a bridge circuit, the plate-cathode resistance of tube V i constituting one arm of the bridge.. Relays tit, 35 i and Sit are connected in SSIiGS,2tCTFOSS the galvanometer corners of the bridge; The battery 13 is connected across the bridge by way of the leads 3% and 3M. When the voltage of battery 35 is at the regulated value the voltage applied to the grid of tube Vt is a Value which provides a plate-cathode resistance which balances the bridge. At such a time, no current flows through-the windings of relays are, Sliand 3E2. Relays iiifiand 2H2 are polarized oppositely.

If the regulated voltage reduces below the floating range, this change in voltage is reflected through the po-tentiometers 53b2, 3M and 385 to the grids of tube Vii, which amplifies the change but reduces the magnitude of the voltage applied to the grid of tube Vt. This change in grid voltage unbalances the bridge in a direction to cause current to flow in the relay circuit in a direction to operate the polarized relay 3l2. Relay Sit, however, does not operate since the current flow is opposite to its polarization. Relay 352 operates so as to cause relay It in the rectifier circuit to operate in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter. Relay IE! operated,

as mentioned previously, causes the output current of the rectifier to be increased and thus to bring the battery voltage back into the floating range. When this takes place the regulator e, is restored to balance and relay 312 releases.

If the regulated Voltage should increase, this small change in voltage is reflected to the potentiometers 382, 3% and 365 and amplifier V3 in the same manner as described above-but in thiscase, the magnitude of the grid voltage of tube V4 is increased which causes an unbalance of the bridge in the opposite direction resulting in a reversal of the direction of current through the bridge relays and the consequent operation of relay Slil. As will appear more fully hereinafter relay 2H9, operated, causes relay H in the rectifier circuit to function to reduce the rectifier output and thus to bring the battery voltage into the floating range.

If the voltage of battery B raises or lowers out of the floating range sufiiciently to cause an unbalance in the bridge of approximately twice the magnitude required to operate relay 3H! or relay 3E2, relay 3H will operate. The function performed by relay 3H will be described more fully hereinafter.

:Iaving described the general operation of the rectifier and the voltage control circuits, the following description. will bedirected to the opera tion of the system as a whole, describing the manner in which the motor generator set is substituted for the rectifier in supplying theload when the load exceeds the rated output ofthe rectifier and also how the voltage control circuit functions to maintain the battery voltage substantially constant. regardless of whether the load is being supplied by way of the rectifier or from the motor generator set.

Rectifier X starts With the keys shown at the bottom of Fig. 1 in the positions illustrated, relay 298 operates in a circuit which may be traced from grounded battery 29L outer upper armature and back con- I ductor 25, winding of contactor relay 25, lowermost contacts of contactor 25, conductor 28, ri ht-hand normal contacts of key 29, to ground at 39. Relay 2t operates immediately in this circuit but relay 32d requires from three to five minutes to operate. Ihe delay period of relay allows the filaments of the tub-es of rectifier X sufficient time to heat up to operating temperatur before the regulation control is rendered effective to increase the rectifier output. Contactor relay 25, operated, functions to connect the rectifier circuit to the alternating current source I by way of the line L. This connection is completed by way of the two upper sets of contacts of relay 26. At its third outer set of contacts relay 26 closes the negative direct current charge lead. This lead, starting from the mid-point of the secondary of transformer TI includes conductor 3|, thirdouter contacts of relay 26, conductor 32, which by way of conductor 30| connects to the negative terminal of battery B (Fig. 3). Atits outermost contacts, relay 26 effectively includes resistance 21 in series with its own winding. The positive charge lead may be traced from the positive terminal of battery B, conductor 300, ammeter shunt 315, conductor 51, ammeter shunt 56 to the mid-point of the secondary winding of transformer T2.

Regulation control connected to rectifier When slow-to-operate relay 324 finally closes its contacts, a circuit is established which may be traced from grounded battery, armature and front contact of relay 324, conductor 321, outermost lower armature and back contact of relay 200, normal make-before-break contacts and winding of start relay 203 to ground.

Relay 203 operates in this circuit and locks in a circuit extending from grounded battery, inner upper armature and back contact of relay 3'25, conductor 328, back contact and lower armature of relay 202, outermost upper armature and back contact of relay 200, inner upper armature and front contact and winding of relay 203 to ground.

At the inner lower armature and back contact of relay 203 the operating circuit for relay 324 is opened causing this relay to release its armature and open the original operating circuit for relay 203. Relay 203, however, is now locked operated as described above. At its inner lower armature and front contact relay 203 shunts the upper armature and front contact of relay 298.

At its outer lower armature, relay 203 establishes the following circuit: ground at 30, winding of relay I0, right contact of limit switch R, normal contacts of key 35, conductor 208, middle lower armature and back contact of relay 200,

upper armature and back contact of relay 2|0', front contact and outer lower armature of relay 203, outer upper armature and back contact of relay 2, conductor 260, back contact and outer lower armature of relay 329, contacts 330 of key 33l, to the front contact of polarized relay 3| 2' of the regulator bridge circuit.

Rectifier output increased The voltage of battery 13 being low and outside the floating range, relay 3|2 of the regulator bridge circuit will be operated. The circuit just traced which includes the winding of relay I0 is now completed to grounded battery by way of the armature and front contact of relay 3| 2 and the back contact and outer upper armature of relay 325. Relay 0 operates to cause motor M to function in such a manner as to cause the rheostat arm 2 to move in a counter-clockwise direction so as to decrease the number of turns of TR connected across the supply to rectifier X and thereby increase the rectifier output. As

- rectifier output.

Rectifier output decreased Should the load decrease and the voltage of battery B increase to its upper floating value, the regulator bridge will be unbalanced in the opposite direction and polarized relay 3| 0 will operate. Relay 3l0, operated, completes a circuit extending from grounded battery, armature and front contact of relay 3"], contacts 332 of key 33|, outer upper armature and back contact Transfer to motor generator When the output of rectifier X increases to its full load ampere output rating, ammeter relay AR associated therewith operate to effect the closure of its right-hand contact. When this occurs, relay 2"! operates in a circuit extending from grounded battery, winding of relay 2|0', conductor 5|, right-hand contact and pointer of ammeter relay AR, to ground at 30. It will be noted that with relay 2|0' operated, no further increase of the rectifier output is obtained when relay 3|2 of the regulator bridge circuit operates in response to a decrease of the battery voltage to its low floating value, Normally, when relay 3|2 operates, relay l0 functions toincrease the rectifier output as previously described. However, the operating circuit for relay 0 is now opened at the upper armature and back contact of relay 2 0'.

With a slight further decrease in the voltage of battery B, relay 3H of the regulator bridge circuit operates to complete an operating circuit for relay 334. This circuit extends from ground, armature and front contact of relay 3| winding of relay 334, back contact and armature of relay 3l0, to battery and ground. Relay 334, operated, completes an operating circuit for relay 2|6 extending from grounded battery, lower armature and front contact of relay 2 i 0, outer upper armature and back contact of relay 2i 4, conductor 2| 5, front contact and lower armature of relay 334, conductor 335, normal make-before-break contacts and winding of relay Us to ground.

Relay 2 l6 locks operated in a circuit extending from grounded battery, lower armature and back contact of relay 2M, armature and back contact of relay 2|I, outer lower armature and front contact and winding of relay 2|8 to ground. At its inner upper armature relay M3 completes an operating circuit for relay 323 by way of conductor 336.

Relay 323 in operating its outer upper and lower armatures transfers the control leads of the regulator bridge circuit from the windings of relays l0 and H to relays 333 and 339 which, as will be described presently, function to regulate the output of the generator of the motor generator set MG.

At its inner lower armature and front contact relay 329 completes an obvious operating circuit for interrupter relay 340 which relay, when openated, connects the operating windings of the motor associated with interrupter I to the line L. The interrupter I functions to supply interrupted battery to the armatures of relays 338 and 339 for a purpose which will appear presently. At the same time, battery associated with the outer upper armature of relay 2| 6 is extended by way of the back contact andinner upper armature of relay 2|4 and conductor 242 to the motor start circuit indicated at 60, to cause this circuit to function and start the motor of motor generator set MG. Simultaneously, the battery on lead 242 is extended by way of the outermost contacts of contactor relay 400, resistance 40|, conductor 402 and the winding of relay 243 to ground. Relay 243 operates and at its inner upper armature connects ground to the alarm circuit 244 extending to another station so as to cause an alarm signal to be manifested at that station.

During the stopped and starting period of the generator of MG, the field rheostats 4| 4 and 4 5 are short-circuited so that as the motor drives the generator the voltage of the latter will build up rapidly. The short circuit is effected by the armature and back contact of relay M6. The field circuit of the generator may be traced from the negative generator terminal, back contact and armature of relay 4|6, field winding FW, to the positive generator terminal. When the generator voltage builds up to a value suflicient to operate relay M6 the generator field circuit includes the manually controlled rheostat H4 and the motor-driven rheostat M5.

The voltage of battery B being low, relays 3|2, 3! l, 334 and 338 will be operated and a circuit will be completed from grounded battery, outer upper armature and front contact of relay 334, armature and front contact of relay 330, conductor 350, back contact and armature of relay 25| conductor 252, normal left contacts of key 4|0, contact of limit switch HG, winding of relay M2, to ground by way of the back contact and inner armature of relay 4 3. Relay 4|2 operates in this circuit and connects battery and ground to the terminals of rheostat motor MR causing it to rotate rheostat arm 4| 1 in a direction so as to reduce the resistance of rheostat M5 and to raise the voltage of the generator of motor generator set MG. When the generator voltage builds up to a value above the battery voltage, polarized relay 403 operates and causes the generator to be connected to battery 13. The circuit for the operation of relay 403 is traced from the negative terminal of battery B, conductor 32, switch 43L upper winding of relay 405, winding of relay 403, negative terminal of the generator, generator positive terminal, to ground at 406 through the shunts associated with ammeter relays AR and AR. Relay 403 being polarized does not operate when the generator voltage is lower than the battery voltage.

The operation of relay 403 causes relay 405 to operate in a circuit traced from the negative terminal of the generator, front contact and armature of relay 403, lower winding of relay 405, to the positive generator terminal. Relay 405, in operating its armature, causes the operation of the contactor relay 400 in a circuit traced from the positive generator terminal, armature and contact of relay 405, winding of contactor relay 400, middle back contacts of contactor 400, to the negative generator terminal. After the operation of contactor 400, the Winding of relay 403 is shortcircuit ed, relay 403 is released, and the circuit for holding contactor relay 400 operated'is completed and may be traced from the negative generator terminal, resistance 401, winding of contactor 400, front contact and armature of relay 405, to the positive generator terminal. The operation of contactor 400 connects the generator of MG to battery B. This circuit is traced from the positive terminal of the generator, shunt of ammeter AR to ground 406 which is connected to the grounded side of battary B, and from the negative terminal of the generator, front contacts of contactor 400, upper winding of relay 405, switch 43|, conductor 32 to the other terminal of battery B. Since the generator voltage is higher than the battery voltage current flows from the generator to the battery B and thence to the load 389 and this current is in a direction to hold relay 405 operated. The release of relay 403 also alters the circuit for the lower winding of relay 405 by including resistance 404 therein. Under this condition relay 405 is held operated for the most part by the current through its lower wind-- ing. When the generator operates on reverse current, the direction of current in the upper winding of relay 405 is reversed causing this winding to oppose the lower winding and release relay 405 which in turn opens the circuit to relay 400.

When relay 400 operated as described above, it opened the operating circuit for relay 243 which relay releases. When relay 243 releases, a circult is completed from grounded battery, lower armature and back contact of relay 243, lower armature and back contact of relay 254, outer lower armature and back contact of relay 2| inner upper armature and front contact of relay 250 (which relay operated on negative generator voltage over lead 408) conductor 205, winding of slow-to-operate relay 324, back contact and lower armature of relay 325 to ground. After its time operate interval, relay 324 operates and establishes a circuit traced from grounded battery, armature and front contact of relay 324, conductor 321, front contact and outer upper armature of relay 250, normal make-before-break contacts and winding of relay 2| back contact and inner upper armature of relay 254 to ground. Relay 2| operates in this circuit.

Relay 2| operated, locks in an obvious locking circuit under control of relay 254 and, at its outer lower armature, opens the operating circuit for relay 324. At its inner upper armature, relay 2| transfers lead 2|0 from lead 2|2 to lead 260. The following circuit now exists: grounded battery, outer upper armature and front contact of relay 334, inner upper armature and front contact of relay 329, conductor 260, front contact and in.- ner upper armature of relay 2| conductor 2|0, contacts 42 of key 2|, normal contacts of key 43, conductor 44, contact of limit switch L, winding of relay H, to ground at 30. Thus relay functions in the manner previously described to cause rectifier X to decrease its output. As the rectifier decreases its output the battery voltage will tend to decrease and the regulation control will function to cause the motor generator set to increase its output.

When the output of rectifier X decreases to zero, battery will be connected over lead 99 to cause relay 298 to operate. This circuit may be traced from grounded battery, outer upper armature and front contact of relay 334, inner upper armature and front contact of relay 329, conductor 260, front contact and inner upper armature of relay 2, conductor 2|0, contact 42 of key 2|, normal contacts of key 43, conductor 44, contact of limit switch L, conductor 99, winding of relay 298 to ground. Relay 298 operates and causes relay 202 to operate in a circuit from grounded battery, lower armature and front contact of relay 298, winding of relay 202, outer upper armature and back contact of relay 254, to ground at the lower armature and front contact of relay 250.

Relay 202, operated, opens the lead 204 to the rectifier and releases relay 203. The opening of lead 204 to the rectifier X deenergizes contactor relay 26 which releases its armature thus disconnecting the rectifier from the source of power I 5.

When the voltage of battery B is restored to the floating range under the action of the motor generator set MG as described, relays 3|2, 3i i, 338 and 334 will release. Relay 3.34 released, disconnects direct battery from the armature of relays 339 and 338 leaving them connected to interrupter battery 341 Genera-tor output increased Should the battery voltage decrease to a value outside the floating range, relay 3I2 of the regulator bridge circuit will operate due to the unbalanced condition of the bridge. With relay 3 l 2 operated, a circuit is established from grounded battery, outer upper armature and back contact of relay 325, armature and front contact of relay 3l2, contact 330 of key 33!, outer lower armature and front contact of relay 329, to ground through the winding of relay 338. Relay 33B operates in this circuit.

Relay 338, operated, connects interrupted battery 3 to conductor 350, back contact and armature of relay 25l, conductor 252, normal contacts of key 410, contacts of limit switch HG, winding of relay 412, to ground by way of the back contact and inner armature of relay M3. Relay M2 operated, causes the rheostat motor MR to function to rotate the rheostat arm 4|! in such a direction as to cut out resistance from the motor field Winding and thereby increase the generator output. When the voltage of the battery B is raised to a value within the floating range relays 3l2 and 338 release to disconnect interrupted battery from the generator rheostat control to prevent any further increase in the generator output.

Generator output decreased Should the "voltage of battery B increase to a value above the floating range, the regulator bridge circuit would be unbalanced in the oppoite direction to cause relay 310 to operate which, in turn, causes the operation of relay 339. With relay 339 operated, a circuit is established extending from interrupted battery 34!, armature and front contact of relay 339, conductor 262, left normal contacts of key 4H1, right normal contacts of key H0, limit switch LG, winding of relay M3, to ground by way of the back contact and inner armature of relay 412.

Relay 4I3 operates in this circuit to intermittently energize rheostat motor MR which functions to increase the resistance of rheostat M5 in the field of the generator. Thus, the generator output is decreased and the battery voltage lowered to a value within the floating range. When this value is reached relays 3l0 and 339 are deenergized to prevent any further decrease in the generator output.

In the event that the voltage of battery B should increase or decrease sufficiently from the floating range to cause relay 3l.l of the regulator bridge to operate with either relays 3l2 or 310,

either relay 334 or 355 will operate and cause steady battery to be connected to the armatures of relays 339 and 338, thereby causing the generator to correct the battery voltage quickly. The operating circuit for relay 334 has been previously described. The operating circuit for relay 355 extends from grounded battery, outer upper armature and back contact of relay 325, armature and back contact of relay 3l2, winding of relay 355, front contact and armature of relay 3H to ground. It is not believed necessary to trace the circuits over which the current from the steady battery flows to control the operation of the generator rheostat since they are substantially the same as those traced for the interrupted battery.

Transfer back: to rectifier When the load being supplied by the motor generator set decreases to such an extcntas to come within the output capacity of the rectifier, the system disclosed provides means for transferring the load to the rectifier and for stopping the motor generator set. The manner in which this feature is accomplished will now be described.

The ammeter relay AR (Fig. 3) is connected in the main charge lead 51, the ammeter shunt 315 being shown serially included in that lead. The low contact of ammeter relay AR is so adjusted as to operate at approximately per cent of the rated output capacity of the rectifier. The ammeter relay AR associated with the rectifier is adjusted to close its high contact when the rated output capacity of the rectifier is reached. It is apparent therefore that the high contact of relay AR will be made when the rated output capacity of the rectifier is reached to initiate the transfer of the load from the rectifier to the generator, and that when the load supplied by the generator falls to such an extent as to come within the rated output capacity of the rectifier the low contact of relay AR is made to initiate the transfer of the load from the generator to the rectifier.

As the load on the generator, which is now supplying the load, decreases, the voltage of battery B will increase to cause relays 3E0 and 339 to operate thereby causing the motor generator set to decrease its output in the manner previously described. When the load decreases to a value such as to come within the output capacity of the rectifier, ammeter relay AR will operate to close its low contact 351. Ground is thus connected to the conductor 349 and thence by way of the upper winding of relay 254, front contact and inner lower armature of relay 2|6 to grounded battery. Relay 254 operates in this circuit and locks under control of relay 2l8. At its two upper armatures relay 254 causes the release of relays 202 and 2! I.

Relay 202 released, completes the circuit to lead 204 extending to rectifier X to cause contactor relay 28 to operate and reconnect the rectifier to the supply line L, the operating circuit for contactor relay 20 including the winding of slow-to-operate relay 324 as previously traced. When relay 324 operates, relay 203 operates as described hereinbefore.

When relay 203 operates a circuit is completed from grounded battery, inner upper armature and front contact of relay 329, conductor 260, back contact and outer upper armature of relay 1 2| I, outer lower armature and front contact of relay; I9 back contact and middle lower armature of relay 290, conductor 2%, normal contacts of key 35, limit switch R, winding of relay ID to ground at 39. Relay it operates in this circuit to cause rectifier X to increase its output in the manner previously described.

As the rectifier output increases, the voltage of battery B will increase to cause relays 3l0 and 339 to operate. Each time these relays operate they will cause the motor generator set to decrease its output in the manner described hereinbefore. When it has decreased to a value where it is no longer required to carry the load ammeter relay AR associated with the motor generator set, operates and connects ground to lead M9 which causes relay 2|] to operate to battery and ground at the outer upper armature and front contact of relay 2H5.

Relay 2H operated, opens the holding circuits for relay 2E6 causing this relay to release and, in turn, to release relay 2 I1. Relay 2 l 6 released, disconnects battery from lead ZGZwhich extends to the motor generator set MG allowing the motor generator set to disconnect. It also opens the operating circuit for relay 329.

Relay 323 released connects battery to the lead 252 which causes relay M3 to operate and cause the motor-driven rheostat arm ll? to rotate to its all resistance in position, if it has not already done so.

When relay 329 releases as described, it transfers the control of relays m and M2 of the regulator bridge circuit from relays 339 and 338 to the leads 253 and 282 associated with the rectifier. Relay 323 also opens the circuit to interrupter relay 333 to stop the interrupter motor. Any variation in the load which produces variations in the voltage of battery B will now be reflected to relays l3 and H of the rectifier output control to cause the rectifier output to be varied in the manner previously described.

Power failure In the event of a service failure the alternating current supply from source l to the rectifier and generator will be discontinued causing their outputs to reduce to zero and connect ground over the leads of the rectifier and motor generator set. At the same time, failure of the supply to transformer T3 will release relay 360, which through its armature and back contact causes relay 325 to operate in an obvious circuit. Relay 325 operated, disconnects battery from the armature of relay 3l2 and completes an obvious operating circuit for relay 355. Relay 355 at its inner lower armature and front contact connects round to lead 332 which extends to the alarm circuit 242. A power failure alarm is thus operated.

Relay 325 operated, also opens the locking circuit to and releases relay 203. Relay 203 released, connects battery to lead 2H3 to the rectifier causing it to operate to its no-load position when power is restored.

Ground on lead 242 from the generator circuit operates relay 211 which in turn releases relays 2H5 and 323. Relay 329 released, connects battery to lead 232 which causes relay M3 to Operate which causes the motor generator set to operate to its no-load position immediately.

Upon restoration of the power service supply battery over lead 210 from the rectifier causes the rectifier to operate to its no-load position and connects battery over lead 99 to operate relay rel y & ba k contact and pper armatu O 238. Relay 336 will reoperate and release relay 325 which, in turn, connects ground to the winding of relay 3,24 and battery to the armatures of relays 3H2 and 205. It disconnects battery from the relay 355. The rectifier Will start immediately and connect to the load in the same manner as outlined hereinbefore.

Generator false start In the event that the rectifier should build up to full load and a momentary drop in voltage occur on the discharge circuit, the generator would start and would not connect to the load. In order to prevent the generator operating under this condition, a false start wipe out is provided as follows:

When the rectifier reached full load the ground on lead 5i operates relay 2W When a momentary drop in voltage is encountered relays 3H and 3I2 operate and in turn operate relay 33 t starting the motor generator set, as described. If the voltage corrects immediately and releases relays 3i i and 312, relays 333 will not operate to increase the output of the generator. Under this condition, battery on lead 302 holds relay 2 13 operated. If the load now should decrease the regulator will be unable to decrease the output of the rectifier since leads 25S and H2 are opened by relay 323. This decrease in load will cause an increase in battery voltage which will cause both relays 3H! and 3H to operate and in turn operate relay 355. Relay 355 operated, completes a circuit from ground through its outer lower armature and front contact, lead 355, front contact and outer upper armature of relay 2%, winding of relay 2!! to battery and ground at the front contact and outer upper armature of relay 215. Relay 2i? operates, releasing relay H6 and restoring the circuit to normal.

Rectifier failure In the event that a fuse or tube associated with the rectifier should fail the charging current reduces to a small value so that the ammeter relay would function to cause the control to function and actuate relay it. Under this condition, the autotransformer arm it would be driven .to the end of its travel to operate limit switch R to the left. A circuit for the operation of relay 86 is thus established. Relay 8B operated, locks independent of the limit switch R. At its right armature and front contact relay 8B establishes a circuit extending from ground, lower winding of relay 2%, conductor 2%, front contact and right armature of relay 38, left contact of key 20, conductors 32 and 3m to battery B. Relay 200 operates in this circuit and removes battery 2M from conductor 23% causing the release of conta-ctor switch 23 and the consequent stopping of the rectifier; At its first lower armature and front contact relay 2% locks and brings in an alarm over the alarm circuit 234. After the circuit has been restored to normal relay is released by momentarily actuating key 20.

Relay 24 has its winding connected in series with the primary winding of the rectifier plate supply transformer .Ti. lfhe normal full load alternating current of the rectifier will not operate relay 2.3 but if the current exceeds approximately three times normal current, due to a flashover in the tubes, it operates and opens the circuit of contactor relay 23. The consequent release of relay 26 disconnects the rectier and extinguishes the flashover. As soon as the alternating current reduces to zero, relay 24-. releases and its contacts reoperate relay 26 to start the rectifier.

Regulator tube failure If the tube V4 should fail, the regulator bridge will be unbalanced in such a manner as to cause relays 3H and 3H] to operate. Relay 3H) will cause the rectifier and motor generator set to err-- crat to their no-load position as previously described.

If the tube V3 should fail, the bridge will be unbalanced and cause both relays 3| I and 3l2 to operate. Relay 3l2 causes the rectifier or motor generator set to increase its output to full load. If the trouble is not corrected before the discharge voltage increases to a predetermined high value, relay 39I will operate and cause the operation of relay 392. Relay 392 looks up under control of key 331 and connects ground to leads 393 and 394 which extend respectively to the rectifier X and motor generator set MG causing them to disconnect. When the trouble has been corrected the key 33! is operated and then restored to effect the release of relay 392.

If rectifier X is operating in the condition where it is prevented from increasing its current by the operation of ammeter relay AR, an increase in the alternating current input voltage or a decrease in the voltage of battery B will cause the rectifier current to increase even though the position of autotransformer arm 12 remains the same. In order to reduce the output current to the full load value, relay I2 is connected across the ammeter shunt in series with rheostat 13 The rheostat is adjusted so that relay I2 operates a fiow of current of predetermined magnitude (30 amperes through the ammeter shunt which is slightly above the value at which the high contact of the ammeter relay closes. Relay I2 operated, puts ground at 30 on one sid of the winding of relay 15, the other side of which being connected to battery B. Relay I accordingly operates and connects battery to the lead 16 between keys 2] and 43. This battery through the normal contacts of key 43 operates relay H thus reducing the output of the rectifier until the current through the ammeter relay shunt reaches a predetermined low value (28 amperes) and causes the release of relay I2. Relay then releases and removes battery from relay ll.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, a source of direct current comprising a motor generator set having a predetermined output capacity, a source of alternating current for driving said motor generator set, a variable direct current load having a battery associated therewith and supplied with current from said motor generator set, a rectifier having an output capacity smaller than the predetermined output capacity of said motor generator set, and means effective when the load supplied by said motor generator set decreases to a value within the output capacity of said rectifier for connecting said rectifier to said source of alternating current and to said load and for rendering said motor generator set inoperative to supply said load.

2. In combination, a source of direct current comprising a rectifier having a, predetermined output capacity, a source of alternating current connected to the input terminals of said rectifier, a variable direct current load having a battery associated therewith and supplied with current lrom said source of alternating current by way of said rectifier, a motor generator set having an output capacity greater than the predetermined output capacity of said rectifier, and means eil'ective when the load supplied by said rectifier exceeds the output capacity of said rectifier for automatically starting said motor generator set and causing it to be connected to said load and for disconnecting said rectifier from said alternating current source to render it ineffective to supply said load.

. 3. In combination, a source of direct current comprising a rectifier having a predetermined output capacity, a source of alternating current connected to the input terminals of said rectifier, a variable direct current load having a battery associated therewith and supplied with current from said source of alternating current by way of said rectifier, a motor generator set having an output capacity greater than the predetermined output capacity of said rectifier, means effective when the load supplied by said rectifier exceeds the output capacity of said rectifier for automatically starting said motor generator set and causing it to be connected to said load and for rendering said rectifier ineffective to supply said load, and other means effective when the load supplied by said motor generator set decreases to a value within the output capacity of said rectifier for causing said rectifier to reoperate and assume the load and for rendering the motor generator set ineffective to supply the load.

4. In a system of distribution, the combination of alternating current supply mains, a variable direct current load having a storage battery associated therewith, a device for converting current from said mains into direct current, said de vice having a predetermined output capacity, a second device for converting current from said mains into direct current, said second device having an output capacity greater than that of said first device, means for causin said first converting device to operate to supply said load, means for automatically causing said second converting device to be substituted for said first converting device when said load exceeds the output capacity of said first device, and means for automatically substituting said first converting device for said second converting device when said load again comes within the output capacity of said first device.

5. In a system of distribution, the combination of alternating current supply mains, a variable direct current load having a storage battery associated therewith, a rectifier for converting alternating current from said mains into direct current'and feeding it to said load and battery, said rectifier having a predetermined output capacity, a motor generator set having an output capacity greater than that of said rectifier, a single regulating circuit adapted for use with both said rectifier and said motor generator set for regulating the outputs thereof in accordance with variations in the voltage of said battery, control means included in said regulating circuit and responsive to a decrease in battery voltage occurring subsequent to a load increase in excess of the output capacity of said rectifier for connecting said motor generator set to said alternating current supply mains and to said load, for subsequently disconnecting said rectifier from said alternating current supply mains and for causing said regulating circuit to function to vary the output of said motor generator set in accordance with variations in the voltage of said battery.

6. In a system of distribution, the combination of alternating current supply mains, a variable direct current load having a battery associated therewith, a rectifier having a predetermined output capacity connected between said mains and said load, an ammeter relay individual to said rectifier and responsive to variations in the output thereof, a regulating circuit including a bridge circuit whose galvanometer arm is devoid of current when the voltage of said battery is within predetermined limits, a relay included in the galvanorneter arm of said bridge, a motor generator set having an output capacity greater than that of said rectifier, means responsive to the operation of said bridge relay after said ammeter relay functions to indicate a load in excess of the output capacity of said rectifier for causing said motor generator set to be connected to said supply mains and to said load and said rectifier to be disconnected from said supply mains, whereby said motor generator set is substituted for said rectifier in supplying said load, an ammeter relay included in the supply circuit to said load and adapted to indicate a load within the output capacity of said rectifier, and means controlled by said last-mentioned ammeter relay, when operated to indicate such a load, for reconnecting said rectifier to said supply mains and said load and for rendering said motor generator set ineffective to supply said load.

7. In a system of distribution, the combination of alternating current supply mains, a variable direct load having a storage battery associated therewith, a rectifier for converting alternating current from said mains into direct current and feeding it to said load and battery, said rectifier having a predetermined output capacity, a motor generator set having an output capacity greater than that of said rectifier, means responsive to a drop in voltage subsequent to an increase in load beyond the predetermined output capacity of said rectifier for starting said motor generator set in preparation for the substitution of said motor generator set for said rectifier in supplying said load, and means responsive to an immediate correction of the battery voltage subsequent to the increase in load beyond the predetermined output capacity of said rectifier 'for disabling said motor starting means whereby said motor generator set is restored to its normal condition.

8. In a system of distribution, the combination of alternating current supply mains, a variable direct current load having a storage battery associated therewith, a rectifier for supplying direct current from said mains to said load, said rectifier having a predetermined output capacity, a motor generator set having an output capacity greater than that of said rectifier, a regulating circuit adapted to regulate the output of said rectifier in accordance with variations in the voltage of said battery, control means included in said regulating circuit and eiiective upon the occurrence of a decrease in battery voltage sub,- sequent to an increase in load to a value in excess of the output capacity of said rectifier for connecting said motor generator set to said alternating current supply mains to render it operative to assume the load, and means effective should the battery voltage increase immediately thereafter for disconnecting said motor generator set from said alternating current supply mains.

9. In combination, a variable direct current load having a battery connected thereacross, an alternating current supply, a rectifier interposed between said supply and said load supplying current from said supply to said lead, a regulating circuit, means included in said regulating circuit and responsive to variations in the voltage or said battery caused by variations in said load for varying the input to said rectifier and thereby causing corresponding variations in the output thereof, means responsive to a load increase beyond a predetermined value for preventing any further variation in the output of said rectifier, a motor generator set, means responsive to a decrease in battery voltage subsequent to a load increase beyond a predetermined value for starting said motor generator set and for preparing the regulating circuit for operation in controlling the output of said motor generator set, means controlled by said regulating circuit for causing the voltage of said motor generator set to build up rapidly to a value in excess of that of the battery voltage, means effective when the motor generator voltage exceeds the battery voltage for causing the generator to be connected to the battery, means effective subsequent tothe connection of the generator to the battery for causing the rectifier output to be decreased to Zero value, means effective when the output of the rectifier reaches zero for disconnecting said rectifier from said alternating current supply, and means controlled by said regulating circuit for regulating the output of the motor generator set in accordance with variations in the voltage of the battery caused by variations in said load.

HARVEY T. LANGABEER. 

